Safety system for a kite user that allows rotational independence of the user in relation to the flying control bar and the kite. The system also induces stable and powerless descent of the kite when safety system is activated. Easy and quick recovery prior to re-launching the kite

ABSTRACT

This device is a safety system for a kite use that allows rotational independence of the user in relation to the flying control bar and the kite. This safety system also induces stable and powerless descent of the kite when safety system is activate. Easy and quick recovery prior to re-launching the kite is another benefiting feature to this safety system device.

[0001] This device includes:

[0002] Trim line (1)—known as (center line), which constructed as aflexible tube or a hose and has a hollow passage through the center. Thecenterline is designed to have sufficient strength, so it can holdlongitudinal dynamic stress. The specific construction of the centerlinealso assures that longitudinal load does not affect the diameter of thecenter hollow passage therefore safety flying line (10) never getsjammed in the tubular passage.

[0003] The upper stopper (2) mounted on to the end of the trim linefacing the kite and a lower stopper (3) mounted on to the lower end ofthe line facing the rider. These stoppers are constraining flyingcontrol bar for sliding over the trim line within predetermined distance(N). This distance (the length of the trim line) can vary on ergonomicsof the user, the riding style of the user and size of the projected areaof the kite.

[0004] This safety system includes two swivels, first swivel mounteddirectly to the lower end of trim line which is referenced as outerswivel (4) and a second swivel mounted on to lower end of safety line(10) which is referenced as inner swivel (5). These two swivels aresharing same one axis of rotation, which is only possible if safety line(10) passing through the center channel of the trim line (1). This wayneither one of the lines are constrained by each other and have both ofthem have independent freedom for longitudinal motion as well asrotational.

[0005] Outer swivel (4) assembled out of components (32 and 33). Thisswivel is constructed with a hollow pass through the center of theswivel, so indeed the swivel has tubular design where component (32) isrotationally independent from component (33). Swivel (4) is mounted tothe lower end of the trim line and constructed with sufficient strength,so it can hold longitudinal dynamic stress.

[0006] Component (33) is attached to trim loop (30). This assemblyallows trim loop (30) to be rotationally independent from the device towhich it is connect with the swivel (4). Under normal (most common)circumstances of operating the kite the user (rider) is hooked in with aharness hook (8) in to the trim loop (30) this enables user (rider)having rotational independence from the flying control bar and the kite.

[0007] The safety flying line (10), which is made out of three segments:(10 a; 10 b and 10 c) with alphabetical sequence of the assembly. At theupper end of the safety line (10) is attached to the extension (15)mounted at the midpoint of the inner arch of the leading edge of thekite (20). At the lower end the safety line (10) is attached to the user(rider) with detachable link (7).

[0008] The first (upper) segment (10 a) is made out of relativelysimilar or same cord as normal flying lines. The upper end of thesegment (10 a) is attached to extension (15) mounted at the midpoint ofthe inner arch of the leading edge of the kite (20). The lower end ofthe segment (10 a) is attached to upper end of the segment (10 b).

[0009] The second (middle) segment (10 b) of the safety flying line (10)is made out of stretchable cord (bungee) with predetermined length ofelongation equal to distance (L1). Elongation distance (L1) is needed tokeep safety flying line from slacking. Elongation (L1) of the cord (10b) also needed in case if user's (rider's) riding style demands for anoperating of the kite with being not hooked in to the trim loop (30),while safety flying line stays attached to the user (rider). Safetyflying line (10) should always be attached to the user (rider).

[0010] The third-lower segment (10 c) is made out of wear resistant cordwithstanding constant friction over the inner surface of the hollowpassage of the trim line (1).

[0011] The lower end of the segment (10 b) is attached to upper end ofthe segment (10 c) and has a stopper (6).

[0012] The total length of the segment (10 c) acceding the combinedlengths of trim line (1) and mounted to its upper end adjustable strap(55) by predetermined length (L1).

[0013] The stopper (6) is purposely bigger than ring passage (53).

[0014] The safety flying line is designed and constructed such way thatit is not influencing the performance of the flying kite under normaloperating conditions. After safety system is activate, safety-flyingline becomes the only line, which takes tension load over connection ofthe rider to the kite. Since safety-flying line is attached to theextension (15) mounted at the midpoint of the inner arch of the leadingedge of the kite (20), the air foil of the kite is not longer supportedat the tips of the arch. This why kite stops producing lift and air foilgets in to stall and starts descending. Attachment of the safety flyingline to the midpoint of the inner arch of the leading edge of the kite(20) benefits to stable and gradual lending of the kite, what improvessafety and gives additional time for rider to regroup and decide on thenext action.

[0015] Control flying bar (50) has circular or elliptical hole in themiddle, which has radius to its edges, designed to ease sliding of thetrim line (1) through the hole.

[0016] Control bar equipped with left and right flying line extensions(51) and (52).

[0017] Adjustable strap (55) with flying line extensions (66) and (67).

[0018] Adjustable strap (55) is used to change the angle of attack onthe air foil of the kite, what affecting the amount of the lift producedby the kite. Adjustable strap (55) has locking buckle (54).

[0019] Above described safety system can be equally affective to usewith kite systems equipped with two or more flying lines.

1. A kite device, comprising: a kite structure having a leading edge anda trailing edge, each edge having right and left sides; a plurality offlying lines having kite ends and bar ends, said kite ends beingattached near said right and left sides of said kite and said bar endsbeing attached to a control bar that is controllable by a user; a safetyline having an upper segment and a lower segment, said upper segment ofsaid safety line being attached to said leading edge and said lowersegment being rotatably attached to said user; whereby said safety lineis rotationally independent from said flying lines; whereby when saiduser releases said control bar, said safety line remains attached tosaid user, said safety line collapses said leading edge and said kite isdepowered.
 2. A kite device, comprising: a kite structure having aleading edge and a trailing edge, each edge having right and left sides;a control bar having a central hole and right and left ends; right andleft rear flying lines having kite ends and bar ends, said kite ends ofsaid rear flying lines being attached near said right and left sides ofsaid trailing edge and said bar ends being attached near said right andleft ends of said control bar; an adjustable strap having a top end anda bottom end; right and left front flying lines having kite ends andstrap ends, said kite ends of said front flying lines being attachednear said right and left sides of said leading edge and said strap endsbeing attached near said top end of said adjustable strap; a trim linehaving a hollow passage, said trim line being attached near the bottomend of said adjustable strap and having a user end extending throughsaid hole in said control bar and beyond said control bar and beingremovably attached to said user; a safety line having an upper segmentand a lower segment, said upper segment of said safety line beingattached to said leading edge and said lower segment extending coaxiallythrough said hollow passage; a rotatable retainer that retains saidlower segment of said safety line to a user; whereby said safety line isrotationally independent from said trim line and said retainer; wherebywhen said trim line is detached from said user, said safety line remainsattached to said user, said safety line collapses said leading edge andsaid kite is depowered.